A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, was was yesterday told how Boko Haram terrorists planned a well coordinated attack on Kirikiri Prisons aimed to free their mates being detained in the facility, only for security forces to abort the devilish operation.

The story was told during the trial four suspected Boko Haram members arrested in a pre-emptive invasion by security agents, who stormed their hideout in the Orile-Iganmu area of Lagos on June 16.

The suspects, among them Adamu Mohammed, Mohammed Mustapha and Bura Hassaini, however pleaded not guilty after the charges were read in English Language but explained to them in Hausa.

In a brief ruling, Justice Saidu ordered the suspects to be remanded in prison and fixed December 16 for trial.

Also yesterday, the Nigerian Army reported gains in the ongoing war against Boko Haram in the country’s troubled North-East region. Spokesman of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Captain Aliyu Danja, said in a statement in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, that troops had killed 37 suspected Boko Haram militants after an operation in the state.

According to the statement, “Based on available intelligence, troops of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army launched attacks on a suspected Boko Haram camp located in Alagarno in Borno. The operation, which commenced last Monday, involved a coordinated ground and air assault.

“A total of 37 suspected Boko Haram militants were killed in a gunfire exchange while several others fled with gun shot wounds.

“Arms and ammunition were recovered. Three Hilux vehicles and several motorcycles belonging to the suspects were destroyed.”

Danja also confirmed the killing of four persons during Sunday’s attack by suspected Boko Haram militants in Logomani village near Gamboru-Ngala border.

His words: “In the early hours of Sunday, suspected Boko Haram terrorists numbering about 50, armed with AK 47 rifles and rocket propellers, blocked the Gamboru Ngala Dikwa Road at Logomani village, killing four civilians and injuring two.

“They also set ablaze four trailers, two fuel tankers and snatched an Isuzu pick up loaded with provisions. The attackers fled the scene on arrival of troops of the 7 Div.

“Also, suspected militants attacked members of youths vigilance group who were returning from a funeral in Bama. Three members of the vigilance group were killed and their vehicle set ablaze.

“Troops of 7 Division are currently conducting aggressive patrol at the scene of the attack to trace all suspected hide outs of the militants.’’

•Photo shows Nigerian troops hunting for Boko Haram terrorists in Borno.

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